Police Chief Ronald Campurciani said Pomeroy has been an instructor in defensive tactics at the Western Massachusetts Police Academy in Springfield for 7 to 8 years and Gearing has been a detective with the department for seven to eight years as well.

“I’m looking forward to having them on as sergeants to help train and work with the new police officers, who will be coming online very shortly,” said Mayor Edward C. Sullivan.

It is anticipated that there will be nine or 19 new police officers in West Springfield by a year’s time, said Campurciani.

“I’m thrilled to have them as part of our team,” said Sullivan.

“It was a great day for them but it was also a great day for West Springfield. They are certainly deserving of their promotion."

Pomeroy and Gearing will begin their work as sergeants beginning on June 22, he said.

“We’re lucky to have them, both of them,” said Campurciani. “They both give a wide varied background to what they do here.”